Overview & Reviews

Before Saturn was forced to call it a career after the 2009 GM bankruptcy affair, the Saturn Vue was one of the company's more endearing products. The Vue debuted in 2002 as GM's first home-grown entry in the car-based small-SUV segment, it recorded solid sales but not much critical acclaim. To compensate for the latter, Saturn made steady improvements and expanded the Vue's model lineup with the high-performance Red Line and hybrid Green Line variants. Though still not as polished as other top compact SUVs, the first-generation Vue remained attractive because of its low price and Saturn's famed no-hassle buying experience.

Introduced for 2008, the second-generation Saturn Vue improved upon the original's formula in many areas. This Vue shared much of its basic structure with the Antara, a small SUV produced by Opel, GM's Germany-based European division. While we usually roll our eyes at so-called badge engineering, this was one instance where we were flag-waving fans. The second-generation Vue was a remarkable improvement over its forebear, looking and feeling like a European-designed car that just happened to have Saturn badges.

However, Saturn's departure from the scene changes our view of the Vue. Given the first-generation Vue's spotty reliability record and the second-generation's European parts sourcing, we'd advise steering clear of used Vues unless you find an outstanding deal that leaves room for expected maintenance costs.

Most Recent Saturn Vue

The second-generation Saturn Vue was produced from 2008-'09. Compared to the earlier Vue, it was very similar in size, with a nearly identical wheelbase and marginally greater width and height. However, its exterior was constructed of steel body panels. Although the old Vue's plastic ones prevented unsightly dings, they also looked cheap and created huge panel gaps. The second-generation Vue's interior was also higher in quality with improved ergonomics.

The five-passenger compact Vue crossover was available in three trim levels: base XE, midgrade XR and sporty Red Line. A 2.4-liter inline-4 that produced 164 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque was standard on the XE and for '09, on the XR. It was connected to a four-speed automatic. An optional 3.5-liter V6 was available on the XE, and it sent 215 hp and 220 lb-ft through a six-speed automatic. A 3.6-liter V6 (also matched to a six-speed auto) that generated 257 hp and 248 lb-ft was standard on the XR for '08 and optional for '09. The Red Line was available only with the 3.6-liter V6. A manual-shift feature for the automatic transmission was standard on the Red Line and optional on the XR. Front- or all-wheel drive was available on each trim.

When compared to other compact SUVs, the Vue was on the small side, with only 56 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, almost 20 cubes less than some of its key competitors. Passenger space was good, however, with a reclining rear seat that offered decent legroom. Front seat comfort was good as well, although some found the bottom cushions a little short and the seats in general lacking lateral and lumbar support.

In reviews of the front-drive Saturn Vue XR, we found it to be a real competitor in the rapidly expanding compact-SUV market. Although others offered more space or a more entertaining driving experience, the Vue made up for it with European-inspired styling, a well-built and attractive cabin, composed handling and respectably strong engine choices.

Past Saturn Vue Models

The first-generation Saturn Vue was produced from 2002-'07 with plastic body panels (the second-generation has steel) and no specific trim levels. Though this Vue's interior was always second-rate, it was notably improved for the 2006 model year; models built previously were even more deficient in terms of interior materials quality and ergonomics. One should also note that Saturn offered a continuously variable transmission (CVT) from the 2002-'05 model years. Fitted to the 143-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, the CVT provided improved fuel mileage compared to the five-speed automatic. But long-term reliability was apparently an issue and Saturn discontinued it. It was replaced by a five-speed automatic as the optional transmission, while a five-speed manual remained standard equipment.

Finally, Vues built through the 2004 model year had a 181-hp, 3.0-liter V6 instead of the later Honda-engineered 3.5-liter V6 that was more refined and powerful with 250 hp. With this bigger engine came a few more features, including the option of all-wheel drive and the "Red Line" performance package.

In reviews, the first-generation Saturn Vue earned favorable commentary for its strong 3.5-liter V6 engine, roomy cabin, comfortable ride and dent-resistant plastic body panels. Noted downsides included below-average build quality, low-grade interior materials, vague steering and weak performance from the base four-cylinder engine.

User Reviews:

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  Last GM junk that I buy - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Greg R. Hess - August 29 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased this nice looking suv with high hopes. Only to be disappointed once again by GM. This will be the last time I get burned by them. I have replaced a front left hub-wheel bearing that cost $455 and ever since 48,000 miles there has been a rumbling noise from under the hood and under neath the center of the suv. The dealership mechanic says that there are nothing mechanical to explain these noises! So I guess I have to be satisfied with paying $30,000 and having a problematic car. Unbelieveable! The big three wonder why the public is switching over to imports. They have lousy warranties, until of late but I bet theres a lot of red tape one goes through to have anything done!

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  Love my VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By spring - August 27 - 12:03 pm

  I just got my VUE and I love it. I do however notice the wind noise while driving and the stainless steel pipe that ticks. I love the room and the height. I put less gas in the VUE than I did my Ford Taurus.

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  Worst car I ever owned! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By cyoung430 - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This car with less then 20K miles has had to have numerous repairs which each took several trips to the dealer including a broken ac system, replaced the the canister vent soleniod, cracked driver mirror b/c of water leakage, the service engine light has gone off five times for various reasons, and other small repairs. After two trips to the dealer and over 3 hrs of waiting, the dealership would not give a rental car as promised in the warranty I purchased from Saturn because they can only bill for 1.2 hrs, not 2. I would recommend never to buy this car, but anyone purchasing a Saturn Vue should question the quality of this car.

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  Saturn Vue; Fun to Drive - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By LLM - August 24 - 4:53 am

  The Saturn Vue is surprisingly fun to drive and even with the 4 cylinder 2.2 engine it has plenty of pep. It gets approximately 29 miles per gallon on the road, and has a great sound system for a standard system. Naturally the "view is great and it has unobstructed side windows and rear windows for easy driving. All in all its an enjoyable driving SUV at an affordable price for those of us who cant afford a Lexus or Land Rover.

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  Love my new VUE - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Steph - August 21 - 1:13 pm

  I love my new VUE. I purchased it to get better gas mileage. I was driving a 03 Explorer that was getting 12mpg and with my VUE I am getting 22-25mpg and with the gas prices going so high I need it. It is a fun car to drive and it is very sharp looking. I love driving it.

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  Best Value for the Money - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Grandpa Phillips - August 18 - 10:10 pm

  Plenty of power. Runs like a scalded dog. Have absoulutly no problem getting on the freeway or passing. 1st tank of gas used in city and freeway 23.5 MPG. 2nd tank 24 MPG. Cant wait to see what it will get on a trip. Wife loves the blue tooth, XM radio, premium trim, leather heated power seats. Pleanty of room front and back. Lots of head room too. Looks better than than most other compact SUVs inside and out. Was thinking about buying a Cadillac SRX but MPG wasnt that great. Drove a Toyota CRV but the seats were too hard. Some expert reviews just dont do it justice. Personally I think it beats all other compact SUVs hands down. In fact I may just have buy another one.

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  What a nice VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By John Marshall - August 18 - 1:26 pm

  This little SUV has been great for getting around town and hauling people. The 4 cyl engine gets really good mileage and the stick shift helps me keep the little engine in the power curve above 3000 rpm. Low end torque is limited. Have not had a good experience however with sales and service people at Saturn dealers in Northern New Jersey that is why I bought it in Connecticut.

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  Best Car Ever!! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Dave Hardman - August 15 - 1:06 am

  I love this car. It gets great gas mileage, is very quiet and comfortable. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a cute ute. It outperforms, is bigger, and is less expensive then anything else in the market. Go Saturn!

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  Bad Buy - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Mike - August 11 - 3:10 am

  I bought the view used. Nothing but trouble. Transmission went out at 78,000 miles. The control module went out at 82,000 miles. Saturn is the only one that can program it. Now I think the front wheel bearings are going out. I can not find anyone to buy this problem car.

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  cbs review - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By sniper - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful vehicle. Smart looking fun to drive and good gas miliage..25mph..for a SUV. Rock solid in snow and sleet. Butt warmers in the leather seats. Did I say fun to drive?